Theriotype is the most common word for the animal(s) which is a therian's identity. (Therioside is also acceptable.) The term came into use in 1999. Some believe that a theriotype develops as part of their mentality much in the say way that their personality develops. An example is "I have a whale theriotype." It is also acceptable to say "I am a whale Therian." Mythical animals are usually considered to be Otherkin, but this has been disputed, especially in the case of dragons and gryphons, which are mythical beasts and also experience more instinctual and animal-like behavior during shifts.